Actuator Assembly for Actuating Air Blocking Elements of an Outlet Assembly

ABSTRACT

An actuator assembly for actuating air blocking elements of an outlet assembly is provided. The actuator assembly includes an actuator arm and a selector member operatively connected to the actuator arm to rotate the actuator arm about an arm axis. The actuator arm is operatively connected to a first air blocking element to rotate the first air blocking element towards its air blocking position without moving a second air blocking element upon rotation of the actuator arm in a first direction from a neutral, non-blocking position of the actuator arm about the arm axis. The actuator arm is operatively connected to the second air blocking element to rotate the second air blocking element towards its air blocking position without moving the first air blocking element upon rotation of the actuator arm in a second direction opposite the first direction from the neutral, non-blocking position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application entitled “OutletAssembly Having a Plurality of Operating Modes for Improving Air Flow inan Air Distribution System” filed on the same day as this application(Attorney Docket JVIS 0170 PUS).

TECHNICAL FIELD

At least one embodiment of the present invention generally relates toactuator assemblies for actuating air blocking elements of outletassemblies which are typically found in vehicles and residentialstructures.

OVERVIEW

The basic design of a vehicle vent register is well-known. However, at ahigh level and with reference to FIG. 1, a vent register, generallyindicated at 100, includes a housing 102 and one or more vanes 104. Thehousing 102 is typically configured and dimensioned for insertion intoand attachment to a cooperating aperture (not shown) in a vehiclecomponent such as a dash panel, door trim panel, roof trim panel, centerconsole, etc. The housing 102 is typically positioned at a terminal endof a vehicle HVAC duct (not shown) whereby the duct is in fluidcommunication with the housing interior such that conditioned air fromthe HVAC passes through the housing 102 and therefrom into the vehiclepassenger cabin (not shown). The vanes 104 are typically pivotallyattached to the housing to direct a flow of conditioned air from thevehicle HVAC (not shown) through the vent register 100 and into thepassenger cabin. A thumbwheel 103 or other actuator may be included foroperating a damper (not shown) which regulates the flow of conditionedair from the HVAC, to enter/exit the vent register 100. A vane actuator105 may also be included for altering the angle at which conditioned airexits the vent register.

Styling and design considerations often lead to a motor vehicleincorporating air registers in the dashboard to have a high aspectratio. In other words, those registers are often much wider than theyare tall (i.e. the air outlet is “slim”). Such registers have a tendencyto produce or discharge a relatively wide air plume.

With a slim outlet register (especially horizontal in placement) it isdifficult to achieve airflow aiming targets. The reason for this isbecause there is not enough room in a housing 60 (FIG. 7) for multiplevanes to turn the air adequately. In some cases, there are only room forone primary vane 70 leaving a blow-by condition. Blow-by condition isreferred to a condition where the air is allowed to blow straight by theaiming vanes overpowering the vane aiming direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is illustrated a “slim” airregister, generally indicated at 10. The air register 10 includes acontrol tab 12 carried on a vane 14 of a first set of vanes 16 that maybe tilted upward or downward in order to allow an operator to adjust theair plume along an angle with respect to the vertical or Z axis of themotor vehicle. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the control tab 12 isconnected by means of a gear set 18 to a vane 20 of a second pluralityof vanes 22 which may be angularly adjusted to the left or right inorder to direct the air plume along the lateral or Y axis of the motorvehicle.

The typical automobile interior vent or air register may also includeother elements that are movable relative to each other, to enable theuser to direct the flow of air as the user desires. However, as isknown, the air flow inside the conventional housing of the vent may bedirected partially against the internal surfaces of the housing. This isundesirable because of the turbulent air flow and inefficiencies thatresult.

Another prior art vent outlet assembly, generally indicated at 220, isillustrated in FIGS. 4-6. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,963,015, thevent outlet assembly 220 includes one or more inlet guides, generallyindicated at 234, and one or more outlet guides, generally indicated at240. The inlet guide 234 includes an at least partially planar body 221pivotable about an inlet guide axis 248 for directing the inlet part ofthe air flow toward the outlet guide 240. The outlet guide 240 ispivotable about an outlet guide axis 250.

The inlet guide 234 is pivotable between first and second inletpositions as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. Also, theoutlet guide 240 is pivotable between first and second outlet positions.The inlet and outlet guides 234 and 240, respectively, are eachpositionable at any position between the first and second inletpositions and between the first and second outlet positions,respectively. In FIG. 4, the inlet and outlet guides 234 and 240,respectively, are each shown in intermediate positions thereof.

The vent outlet assembly 220 includes a housing 222 extending betweeninlet and outlet ends 224 and 226, respectively. The housing 222includes lower and upper walls 228 and 230, respectively, which at leastpartially defining a cavity 232, in which the inlet and outlet guides234 and 240, respectively, are positioned.

The outlet guide 240 includes one or more outlet barrels 256 mountedinside an outlet sleeve 254. Each of the outlet barrels 256 is pivotabletransversely about a transverse axis 280 (FIG. 4).

The pivoting movements of the inlet guide 234 about the inlet guide axis248 and of the outlet guide 240 about the outlet guide axis 250 arecoordinated by a connecting subassembly (not shown) as they pivot aboutthe inlet and outlet guide axes 248 and 250, respectively.

The vent outlet assembly 220 is adapted to direct the air flow out ofthe housing 222 upwardly, downwardly, or in a range of directionsbetween the furthest upwardly and downwardly directions, which areillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. The movement of the inletguide 234 and the outlet guide 240 between the first and second inletpositions and the first and second outlet positions, respectively, iscontrolled by the user via a control subassembly (not shown).

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the inlet guide 234 is positionable at anintermediate position, generally midway between the first and secondinlet positions. When the inlet guide 234 is in its intermediateposition, the outlet guide 240 preferably is also in its intermediateposition, i.e., generally midway between the first and second outletguide positions, due to the connection of the inlet and outlet guides234, 240 via the connecting subassembly. As shown in FIG. 4, when theinlet and outlet guides 234, 240 are in their intermediate positions,they are substantially aligned. The air flow entering the inlet end 224is represented by an arrow “3A”, and an inlet part of the air flow pastthe inlet guide 234 is represented by an arrow “3B₁”. The inlet part ofthe air flow is directed toward the outlet guide 240 by the inlet guide234. An outlet part of the air flow (being a portion of the inlet part)flows through the outlet guide 240. The outlet part of the air flowflowing through the outlet guide 240 is represented by an arrow “3C₁” inFIG. 4, and the air flow exiting the housing 222 via the outlet end 226is schematically represented by an arrow “3D”. The air flowschematically represented by the arrow “3A” is substantially the same asthe air flow schematically represented by the arrow “3D”, and aproportion of the air flow travels through the cavity 232 outside of theoutlet guide 240.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the inlet and outlet guides 234 and 240,respectively, are shown in position to direct the outlet part of the airflow generally upwardly as it exits the outlet end 226 of the housing222. The inlet guide 234 is shown in the first inlet position, and theoutlet sleeve 254 is shown in the first outlet position. The inlet guide234 and the outlet sleeve 254 are positioned to direct the outlet partof the air flow as far upwardly upon exit as possible, given thepositions of the inlet guide 234 and the outlet sleeve 254 inside thecavity 232 in the housing 222. The air flow into the inlet end 224 isagain represented by the arrow “3A”. The inlet part of the air flow isdirected by the inlet guide 234 in the direction indicated by an arrow“3B₂”. The inlet part of the air flow is directed toward the outletguide 240. When the inlet and outlet guides 234 and 240, respectively,are positioned as illustrated in FIG. 5, only a portion of the inletpart of the air flow is directed through the outlet guide 240. Theoutlet part of the air flow is further directed by the outlet sleeve 254upwardly, by an arrow “3C₂”. The air flow exiting the housing 222 viathe outlet end 226 generally is schematically again represented by thearrow “3D”.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the inlet guide 234 and the outlet sleeve 254are shown positioned to direct the outlet part of the air flow exitingthe outlet end 226 of the housing 222 generally downwardly. The inletguide 234 is shown in the second inlet guide position and the outletsleeve 254 is shown in the second outlet guide position. The inlet guide234 and the outlet sleeve 254 are positioned to direct the outlet partof the air flow as far downwardly upon exit as possible, given thepositions of the inlet guide 234 and the outlet sleeve 254 inside thecavity 232 in the housing 222. The air flow into the inlet end 224 ofthe housing 222 is again represented by the arrow “3A”. The inlet partof the air flow is directed by the inlet guide 234 in the directionindicated by an arrow “3B₃”, toward the outlet guide 240. When the inletand outlet guides 234 and 240, respectively, are positioned asillustrated in FIG. 6, only a portion of the inlet part of the air flowis directed through the outlet guide 240. The outlet part of the airflow is further directed by the outlet sleeve 254 downwardly, asrepresented by an arrow “3 C₃”. The air flow exiting the housing 222 viathe outlet end 226 generally is again schematically represented by thearrow “3D”.

Despite the above, there is an ongoing need or desire for a relativelysimple and inexpensive mechanism or assembly to actuate air blockingelements of outlet assemblies especially for “slim” air outlets in airdistribution systems for vehicles and residential structures.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is toprovide a relatively simple and inexpensive mechanism or assembly toactuate air blocking elements of outlet assemblies, particularly foroutlet assemblies found in vehicles and residential structures.

In carrying out the above object and other objects of at least oneembodiment of the present invention, an actuator assembly for actuatingair blocking elements of an outlet assembly is provided. The actuatorassembly includes an actuator arm and a selector member operativelyconnected to the actuator arm to rotate the actuator arm about an armaxis. The actuator arm is operatively connected to a first air blockingelement to rotate the first air blocking element towards its airblocking position without moving a second air blocking element uponrotation of the actuator arm in a first direction from a neutral,non-blocking position of the actuator arm about the arm axis. Theactuator arm is operatively connected to the second air blocking elementto rotate the second air blocking element towards its air blockingposition without moving the first air blocking element upon rotation ofthe actuator arm in a second direction opposite the first direction fromthe neutral, non-blocking position.

The actuator arm may include first and second control tracks to receiveand retain corresponding pins of links of the first and second airblocking elements, respectively, which ride in the control tracks duringrotation of the actuator arm.

Each of the control tracks may be kidney-shaped.

The actuator arm may include a groove to receive and retain a pin of theselector member which rides in the groove during rotation of theactuator arm.

The air blocking elements may comprise upper and lower vanes.

The selector member may comprise a primary vane.

The outlet assembly may be a vehicle outlet assembly.

The outlet assembly may be a residential outlet assembly.

Further in carrying out the above object and other objects of at leastone embodiment of the present invention, a manual actuator assembly foractuating air blocking elements of an outlet assembly is provided. Theactuator assembly includes an actuator arm and a manually operableselector member operatively connected to the actuator arm to rotate theactuator arm about an arm axis. The actuator arm is operativelyconnected to a first air blocking element to rotate the first airblocking element towards its air blocking position without moving asecond air blocking element upon rotation of the actuator arm in a firstdirection from a neutral, non-blocking position of the actuator armabout the arm axis. The actuator arm is operatively connected to thesecond air blocking element to rotate the second air blocking elementtowards its air blocking position without moving the first air blockingelement upon rotation of the actuator arm in a second direction oppositethe first direction from the neutral, non-blocking position.

The actuator arm may include first and second control tracks to receiveand retain corresponding pins of links of the first and second blockingelements, respectively, which ride in the control tracks during rotationof the actuator arm.

Each of the control tracks may be kidney-shaped.

The actuator arm may include a groove to receive and retain a pin of theselector member which rides in the groove during rotation of theactuator arm.

The air blocking elements may comprise upper and lower vanes.

The selector member may comprise a primary vane.

The outlet assembly may be a vehicle outlet assembly.

The outlet assembly may be a residential outlet assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a prior art vehicle ventregister;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of another prior art vehicle airregister for controlling an air plume expelled by the air register;

FIG. 3 is a top plan, schematic view, partially broken away, of the airregister of FIG. 2, wherein a control tab operates and controls thepositioning of first and second sets of vanes to direct the air plumealong a Z or vertical axis (i.e. FIG. 2) and a Y or lateral axis,respectively, of a motor vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional enlarged view of another prior art ventoutlet assembly in which the inlet and outlet guides are positioned inintermediate positions thereof;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the vent outlet assembly of FIG. 4 in whichthe inlet and outlet guides are positioned in first inlet and outletpositions, respectively;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the vent outlet assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5in which the inlet and outlet guides are positioned in second inlet andoutlet positions, respectively;

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of prior art “slim” outlet registerwhich exhibits a “blow-by” condition;

FIG. 8 is a side, schematic view, partially broken away and incross-section, of an outlet assembly constructed in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side, schematic, perspective view of a first embodiment of amechanism or subassembly for guiding and blocking air prior to the airhitting one or more primary vanes to avoid the “blow-by” condition;

FIG. 10 is a side, schematic, perspective view of a second embodiment ofthe mechanism or subassembly to avoid the “blow-by” condition;

FIG. 11 is a back-side view of the mechanism or subassembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view, partially broken away, of an actuator arm of anactuator assembly constructed in accordance with at least one embodimentof the present invention wherein the actuator arm is in a neutral,non-blocking position;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view, partially broken away, of the actuatorassembly taken along lines 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 12, but with the upper andlower air blocking elements illustrated in phantom, the upper airblocking element in its air blocking position and the selector member isdirecting the flow of discharged air upward; and

FIG. 15 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 14 with the lower airblocking element in its air blocking position and the selector member isdirecting the flow of discharged air downward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an outlet assembly,generally indicated at 110, for improving air flow in an airdistribution system. The assembly 110 includes a housing, generallyindicated at 112, having an inlet end 114 to receive the air flow and anoutlet end 116 to discharge the air flow into a passenger cabin of avehicle or into an enclosed space within a residential structure. Thehousing 112 includes upper and lower walls 118 and 120, respectively,which at least partially define a cavity 122 therebetween.

At least one control element (preferably a plurality of control elementssuch as a primary vane 124 and vertical vanes 126) is provided adjacentthe outlet end 116 within the cavity 122 to control the flow of airdischarged from the outlet end 116 and into the passenger cabin orenclosed space.

Upper and lower blocking elements, generally indicated at 128 and 130,respectively, each includes a nose 132, a tail 134, and a main body 136between the nose 132 and the tail 134. Each blocking element 128 or 130is movable to a blocking position between the upper and lower walls 118and 120, respectively, to prevent a layer of air from flowingimmediately adjacent its respective wall 118 or 120, and to direct thatlayer of air to flow around its nose 132.

The assembly 110 includes an actuator subassembly (which includes theprimary vane 124) to move the upper blocking element 128 to direct thedischarged air in an upward direction as indicated by the position “2”of the primary vane 124 and the upper blocking element 128.

In like fashion, the actuator subassembly including the primary vane 124moves the lower blocking element 130 to direct the discharged air in adownward position as indicated by the position “3” of the primary vane124 and the lower blocking element 130.

In other words, the upper and lower blocking elements, 128 and 130,respectively, are actuated in conjunction or in coordination with theprimary vane 124. Position “1” as illustrated in FIG. 8 is a nominalposition. Position “2” is a maximum upward position. Position “3” is amaximum downward position. Also, variable positions in between thedifferent positions can also be achieved.

Each of the blocking elements 128 and 130 preferably comprises asubstantially flat vane pivotally connected to its respective wall 118or 120 at its tail end 134 as best shown in FIGS. 9-11.

The assembly 110 also preferably includes a cellular air straightener138 provided adjacent the inlet end 114 within the cavity 122 tostraighten the received air flow. The air straightener 138 may have ahoneycomb-like structure or any other shape to help straighten theinflow of air prior to encountering all of the vanes 124, 126, 128 and130.

In summary, the outlet assembly 110 has a plurality of differentoperating modes for improving air flow in an air distribution systemsuch as can be found in vehicles and residential structures. Theassembly 110 includes the housing 112 having the inlet end 114 toreceive the air flow and the outlet end 116 to discharge the air flow.The housing 112 includes first and second spaced apart walls 118 and120, respectively, which at least partially define the cavity 122therebetween.

The first blocking element 128 is supported by the first wall 118 formovement between blocking and unblocking positions within the cavity122. The first blocking element 128 prevents a first layer of air fromflowing immediately adjacent the first wall 118 in its blockingposition.

The second blocking element 130 is supported by the second wall 120 formovement between blocking and unblocking positions within the cavity122. The second blocking element 130 prevents a second layer of air fromflowing immediately adjacent the second wall 120 in its blockingposition.

The actuator subassembly includes the selector member 124 which issupported for movement relative to the housing 112 between a pluralityof predefined positions which correspond to the different operatingmodes. The modes include first and second blocking modes and a nominalunblocking mode. The first blocking element 128 is actuated by theactuator subassembly to move to its blocking position in the firstblocking mode. The second blocking element 130 is actuated by theactuator subassembly to move to its blocking position in the secondblocking mode. The first and second blocking elements 128 and 130 areactuated by the actuator subassembly to move to their unblockingpositions in the nominal unblocking mode.

The selector member preferably comprises the substantially flat primaryvane 124 supported by the housing 112 for bi-lateral shifting movementto control the flow of air discharged from the outlet end 116.

The outlet assembly preferably has a relatively high aspect ratiowherein the housing 112 is substantially wider than it is tall.

The primary wave 124 and the first blocking element 128 are preferablyconfigured to direct the discharged air in an upward direction in thefirst blocking mode.

The first blocking element 128 preferably comprises the substantiallyflat first vane 128 pivotally connected to the first wall 118 at one endof the first vane 128.

The primary vane 124 and the second blocking element 130 are configuredto direct the discharged air in a downward direction in the secondblocking mode.

The second blocking element 130 preferably comprises the substantiallyflat second vane 130 pivotally connected to the second wall 120 at oneend of the second vane 130.

Each of the blocking elements 128 and 130 preferably comprises asubstantially flat vane wherein the vanes 128, 124 and 130 aresubstantially parallel in the nominal unblocking mode.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the actuator subassembly includes a singlecontrol link, generally indicated at 140, coupled to the selector member124 at a forked end 142 and to each of the blocking elements 128 and 130at upper and lower control tracks 144 and 146, respectively, via links147 and their corresponding pins 148, respectively, which ride in thetracks 144 and 146. End portions 129 and 131 of the blocking elements128 and 130, respectively, are pivotally connected to the housing 112.The control link 140 is pivotable about a boss (not shown) on thehousing 112 via a link pivot 149. Only one of the blocking elements 128or 130 is actuated at a time by the primary vane 124 because of theabove noted connections.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the actuator subassembly includesan idler link, generally indicated at 150, coupled to the selectormember 124 at a forked end 152 and a cam, generally indicated at 160,coupled to each of the blocking elements 128 and 130 so that only one ofthe blocking elements 128 or 130 is actuated at a time. The cam 160 ispivotably connected to the link 150. The cam 160 includes upper andlower control tracks 164 and 166, respectively, in which end portions ofthe vanes 128 and 130 ride or travel. End portions 129 and 131 of theblocking elements 128 and 130, respectively, are pivotally connected tothe housing 112. The cam 160 and the idler link 150 are actuated by theprimary vane 124 and are pivotable about bosses (not shown) on thehousing 112 via pivots 168 and 170, respectively.

FIG. 12 is a side view, partially broken away, of an actuator arm,generally indicated at 140′, of an actuator assembly constructed inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention whereinthe actuator arm 140′ is in its neutral, non-blocking position. Partsshown in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-15 which are the same or similar ineither structure or function to the parts of FIGS. 8 and 9 have the samereference number but a single prime designation.

The control link or actuator arm 140′ is operatively connected to a pin125′ of a selector member 124′ via a groove 123′ at a forked end 142′thereof. Vertical vanes 126′ are also illustrated in a cavity 122′defined by upper and lower walls 118′ and 120′, respectively, of thehousing 112′. The actuator arm 140′ is also operatively connected toeach air blocking element 128′ or 130′ (i.e. vanes) at upper and lowercontrol tracks 144′ or 146′, respectively, via links 147′ and theircorresponding pins 148′ which ride in the kidney-shaped tracks 144′ and146′. End portions 129′ and 131′ of the air blocking elements 128′ or130′, respectively, are pivotally connected to a housing 112′. Theactuator arm 140′ is also pivotally connected to a housing 112′ forrotation about an arm axis 141′ via a bushing 143′, a screw 145′ and anO-ring 149′ (i.e. FIG. 13). As in a first embodiment, only one of theair blocking elements 128′ or 130′ is actuated at a time by the primaryvane or selector member 124′ because of the above-noted operativeconnections.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view, partially broken away, of the actuatorassembly taken along lines 13-13 in FIG. 12. Vertical vanes 126′ arealso illustrated in a cavity 122′ defined by upper and lower walls 118′and 120′, respectively, of the housing 112′.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 12, with the upper andlower air blocking elements 128′ and 130′ again illustrated in phantom.The upper air blocking element 128′ is in its air blocking position andthe selector member 124′ is directing the flow of discharged air upward.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 14 with the lower airblocking element 130′ in its air blocking position and the selectormember 124′ directing the flow of discharged air downward.

In summary, an actuator assembly for actuating air blocking elements128′ and 130′ of the outlet assembly 110′ is provided. The actuatorassembly includes the actuator arm 140′ and the selector member 124′operatively connected to the actuator arm 140′ to rotate the actuatorarm 140′ about the arm axis 141′. The actuator arm 140′ is operativelyconnected to the first blocking element 128′ to rotate the first airblocking element 128′ towards its air blocking position (FIG. 14)without moving the second air blocking element 130′ upon rotation of theactuator arm 140′ in a first direction from a neutral, non-blockingposition (FIG. 12) of the actuator arm 140′ about the arm axis 141′. Theactuator arm 140′ is also operatively connected to the second blockingelement 130′ to rotate the second blocking element 130′ towards its airblocking position (FIG. 15) without moving the first blocking element128′ upon rotation of the actuator arm 140′ in a second directionopposite the first direction from the neutral, non-blocking position(FIG. 12).

The actuator arm 140′ typically includes first and second control tracks144′ and 146,′ respectively to receive and retain corresponding pins148′ of links 147′ to the first and second blocking elements, 128′ and130′, respectively, which ride in the control tracks 144′ and 146′during rotation of the actuator arm 140′.

Each of the control tracks 144′ and 146′ is typically kidney-shaped.

The actuator arm 140′ includes the groove 123′ to receive and retain thepin 125′ of the selector member 124′ which rides in the groove 123′during rotation of the actuator arm 140′.

The air blocking elements 128′ and 130′ typically comprise upper andlower vanes.

The selector member 124′ typically comprises a primary vane.

The outlet assembly 110′ may be a vehicle outlet assembly or aresidential outlet assembly.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An actuator assembly for actuating air blockingelements of an outlet assembly, the actuator assembly comprising: anactuator arm; and a selector member operatively connected to theactuator arm to rotate the actuator arm about an arm axis, the actuatorarm being operatively connected to a first air blocking element torotate the first air blocking element towards its air blocking positionwithout moving a second air blocking element upon rotation of theactuator arm in a first direction from a neutral, non-blocking positionof the actuator arm about the arm axis, the actuator arm beingoperatively connected to the second air blocking element to rotate thesecond air blocking element towards its air blocking position withoutmoving the first air blocking element upon rotation of the actuator armin a second direction opposite the first direction from the neutral,non-blocking position.
 2. The actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1,wherein the actuator arm includes first and second control tracks toreceive and retain corresponding pins of links to the first and secondair blocking elements, respectively, which ride in the control tracksduring rotation of the actuator arm.
 3. The actuator assembly as claimedin claim 2, wherein each of the control tracks is kidney-shaped.
 4. Theactuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator armincludes a groove to receive and retain a pin of the selector memberwhich rides in the groove during rotation of the actuator arm.
 5. Theactuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air blockingelements comprise upper and lower vanes.
 6. The actuator assembly asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the selector member comprises a primaryvane.
 7. The actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outletassembly is a vehicle outlet assembly.
 8. The actuator assembly asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet assembly is a residential outletassembly.
 9. A manual actuator assembly for actuating air blockingelements of an outlet assembly, the actuator assembly comprising: anactuator arm; and a manually operable selector member operativelyconnected to the actuator arm to rotate the actuator arm about an armaxis, the actuator arm being operatively connected to a first airblocking element to rotate the first air blocking element towards itsair blocking position without moving a second air blocking element uponrotation of the actuator arm in a first direction from a neutral,non-blocking position of the actuator arm about the arm axis, theactuator arm being operatively connected to the second air blockingelement to rotate the second air blocking element towards its blockingposition without moving the first air blocking element upon rotation ofthe actuator arm in a second direction opposite the first direction fromthe neutral, non-blocking position.
 10. The actuator assembly as claimedin claim 9, wherein the actuator arm includes first and second controltracks to receive and retain corresponding pins of links to the firstand second air blocking elements, respectively, which ride in thecontrol tracks during rotation of the actuator arm.
 11. The actuatorassembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of the control tracks iskidney-shaped.
 12. The actuator assembly as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe actuator arm includes a groove to receive and retain a pin of theselector member which rides in the groove during rotation of theactuator arm.
 13. The actuator assembly as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe air blocking elements comprise upper and lower vanes.
 14. Theactuator assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the selector membercomprises a primary vane.
 15. The actuator assembly as claimed in claim9, wherein the outlet assembly is a vehicle outlet assembly.
 16. Theactuator assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outlet assembly isa residential outlet assembly.